Why should I create an online store (e-shop)?
Research shows that the use of digital media and the internet is constantly increasing. Along with this growth, in recent years there has been a rapid rise in online orders, which has directly boosted the turnover of businesses that choose to invest in this new sales method.
In 2020, due to COVID-19, this increase became even greater and more intense, resulting in some businesses entering the world of e-commerce suddenly and almost “out of necessity.” For others, it simply became clear that if they wanted to “survive,” they needed to take advantage of what technology offers and invest immediately in an online store.
An increase of up to 171% per week, compared to the same week in 2019, was observed in consumer spending on products from online stores by Greek shoppers in April — setting a new record after March, when the lockdown began.
Source: Greek eCommerce Association – GR.EC.A
Advantages
An e-shop is a store that sells your products for you 24 hours a day, on weekdays and holidays, without operating costs or staff expenses.
- Access to a much larger number of consumers
Anyone who has access to the internet can also access your online store!
So imagine the number of potential customers you can reach compared to those who visit your physical store.
The number is significantly higher, right?
For many businesses, the proper development of an online store has been the key factor in their growth.
Out of Greece’s 11,000,000 inhabitants, 72% use the internet!
Source: Greek eCommerce Association – GR.EC.A
- Constant promotion and advertising of your products
With all the tools an online store offers (images, videos, audio), you can consistently inform your audience about your products as well as any offers or contests you run.
You have a ready-made digital “showcase” that promotes your products 24 hours a day — all without any additional cost!
- Better customer service
More and more people prefer online shopping because they can comfortably search from their couch for information about the company or the product they want to buy.
They can send you a message if they need additional details, place their order, and have it delivered to their doorstep.
How quickly and effectively you respond is entirely up to you!
- More economical advertising
Online advertising is more affordable than any other medium and can also be highly targeted, making it more effective.
Beyond using certain online advertising tools — which are usually necessary — an online store can be considered a permanent advertisement for all your products.
You simply add each new product, and it becomes immediately available to consumers!
Tips for creating an online store (e-shop)
- An e-shop is essentially another store of your existing business — not just an extension of it — so you must be properly prepared.
- Trust the right professionals with building your online store. The process is complex and requires specialized knowledge. If it is set up correctly from the beginning, everything that follows will be much easier and will certainly cost you less.
- Invest in your store and its proper operation by staffing it with one person or even a full management team (depending on its size). An online store never closes. Any internet user can send a message to your e-shop at any time of day asking for information — and they will expect an immediate response!
- Organize and prepare both your suppliers and courier companies you may need to collaborate with. An accountant and a lawyer are also essential, just like in any physical store!
Simply creating an e-shop, although necessary today, is not enough. Just like a physical store that requires cleaning, minor repairs, etc., every e-shop needs maintenance, development, and continuous improvement. You must ensure a steady flow of visitors and explore multiple methods to attract them.
Good luck!
Vagia Dagga
Digital Marketing Specialist at Loulis Mills / Kenfood
At Loulis Mills, for seven generations, we have consistently supported professionals in the industry, focusing on continuous education, development, and staying informed. Subscribe to our newsletter here to be the first to receive useful articles, industry news, and information about recipes and products that interest you!